Writer
- Graduating May 2022
Major: English
Returning to the Writing Team this year is Sam Coulson, a junior English major from Radford, VA. Sam has been a part of the TAD team for a year and a half this semester. He applied for the Writing Team after hearing about TAD from former team member, Naomi Stuart.
Though there is a lot of uncertainty surrounding this year, Sam is excited about the challenges that adapting to COVID-19 will bring. He hopes to learn how to adjust to sudden changes and let go of factors that are outside of his control.
Sam’s major seeps into his personal life through his hobbies. When he’s not in class, Sam is often reading. His favorite read of the summer was Wuthering Heights. To pass time during quarantine, he learned how to cook, played The Sims, and got caught up on 40 seasons of Survivor. Studying the strategies of the show’s most successful competitors has given him the tactics he needs to become a five-time champion in Roblox Survivors. If you need a recommendation of good reality TV to binge, Sam can give some suggestions.
When times get tough, Sam contemplates his direction in life. He finds comfort in the idea of “following your arrow, wherever it points.”
Exceptional Student Employees Honored with Director’s Awards
“These students are each perfect examples of what a committed employee looks like. They’ve gone above and beyond in each of their positions and will continue to do great work in the future. The awards were presented to the deserving students at the University Unions Student Employee Appreciation Banquet.
TAD’s Guide to Thanksgiving Food
“How can you spice things up while maintaining the traditions of the season? What do you do with all of your Thanksgiving leftovers? Well, TAD has you covered. The Writing Team has gathered some of the best, most simple recipes around to get you through this holiday season with a belly full of good food.”
Celebrate Spring with Madipalooza and UPB’s Madipalooza After Dark
As spring approaches, we celebrate the return of warm weather, flowers, and leaves, but here at JMU we also celebrate the return of one of our most exciting yearly traditions: Madipalooza. Mark your calendars for Madipalooza 2020 on Saturday, April 25th starting at 1pm.
FSL Invites You to Join the Movement to End Human Trafficking
The issue of human trafficking is complex and close to many people’s hearts. If you’re looking to gain more insight into this topic, make sure to come out to Join the Movement to End Human Trafficking, an event put on by Fraternity and Sorority Life on Monday, February 24th at 7pm in the Festival Highlands Room.
TAD Expresses Gratitude with Another Tadentines Day
As we reach another Valentine’s day, it’s easy to get bogged down thinking about romance, elaborate gifts, and fancy dinners. However, here at TAD, we are expressing another form of appreciation for each other.
Stock Up on Groceries at OCL’s Pop-Up Pantry
Are you a student on a fixed income in search of free food? If you’re looking to be an at-home cook on a tight budget, the office of Off-Campus Life (OCL) is throwing a Pop-Up Pantry where students can pick up free groceries on January 27th from noon to 6 PM in Festival Conference Room 4.
Get Excited About Fraternity Recruitment at IFC Info Night
Are you looking for your group at JMU? Do you want to join a tight-knit brotherhood? If so, make sure to come out to the JMU Interfraternity Council Info Night on January 19th from 6:00-8:00 PM in Festival Ballroom.
Get to Know New People at the OCL Roommate Mixer
Everyone’s heard a roommate horror story and while listening to them can be fun, no one wants to live one. If you want to avoid a rough roommate experience, check out Off Campus Life’s Roommate Mixer on Thursday, November 14th from 7:30-9:00 PM in the Festival Highlands Room.
Go Back to the 70s with UPB Bingo
Looking for a good, groovy time? If so, be sure to go to UPB Bingo on Saturday, November 2nd from 8-10 PM in TDU!
Performers Deliver Laughs and Realness at the UPB and SOGIE Drag Show
Festival Ballroom was a little bit shinier than normal on Saturday, October 5th. UPB and Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression (SOGIE) put on a Drag Show featuring the glamorous drag queens of Rhinestone Productions.
Daniel Franzese Taps into Mean Girls Nostalgia for Comedy Night
As students flooded into Grafton, the iconic mantra “on Wednesdays we wear pink” seemed to echo. UPB members were all decked out in pink shirts in honor of Daniel Franzese, known widely for his role as “Damien” in the now classic film Mean Girls, who was performing for Comedy Night.
UPB Breaks the Routine with Late Night Breakfast
When the routine of college life gets you down, the one thing that can revive your spirit is free food. UPB’s Late Night Breakfast, a JMU staple thrown multiple times throughout the semester, is one means to this end. Last Thursday, September 26th, the event in Festival did not disappoint.
Find Your Place at Madison Union’s Open House!
Stop by between classes to grab some lunch and spend some time getting to know Madison Union on Wednesday, September 4 from 11am to 2pm! Make your way around the building to taste dips, fruits, veggies, and sweets.
Exceptional Student Employees Honored with Director’s Awards
Working a job in any capacity can be difficult, but add in a full class schedule and a job gets more challenging. Each year the Director’s Awards at JMU are awarded to outstanding student employees working in University Unions.
Escape Deep Sea Danger at UPBreak Free!
Do you like mysteries? Do you feel like challenging yourself with an elaborate puzzle? On Saturday, March 30th, from 4-10PM, UPB is hosting an escape room competition on Festival Lawn!
Get Excited about Giving at Late Night Breakfast!
Who Let the Dukes Out at Late Night Breakfast? Find out on Thursday, March 21st from 10pm-12am in Festival! Show your school spirit and fill up on free breakfast food with UPB’s Late Night Breakfast. This event is centered around Giving Day and will be the last stop on the Giving Day bus tour. JMU Spirit will be in full swing!
Stay Connected with Tuesday Night Live
Do you want to know what’s going on around campus? Are you curious about how larger issues affect us here at JMU? If so, make sure to tune into Tuesday Night Live every week at 8pm!
“Blackballed” Event Tackles Campus Racism
This year has proved to be a cultural reckoning. Not only do we continue to grapple with COVID-19, but our nation has seen long fought issues of racial injustice coming to a head.
JMU Homecoming Week Promises Safe School Spirit
As another fall rolls around, it’s time to show your JMU spirit and celebrate Homecoming week from November 2-8! While things may look different this year, the JMU Alumni Association has planned for an exciting week of COVID-safe activities that will keep energy high while encouraging social distancing.
Learn About Yourself with MYMOM’s Speakers
If you’re looking to learn more about your own identity or have a desire to positively impact the world around you, look no further than Make Your Mark on Madison, or MYMOM. MYMOM is a campus organization that helps students grow as individuals while making an impact on the campus and the world at large.
Make Something New with Thursday Crafternoons
If you’re looking for a change of routine while you’re holed up in your dorm, look no further than Thursday Crafternoons from the Office of Student Activities and Involvement!
Celebrating Thanksgiving Away From Home
By now, we’ve all heard that we are living in unprecedented times, but as the holiday season approaches, we are realizing just how different this year will look.
10 Challenges of Online Classes and How to Overcome Them
This year has challenged all of us. We’ve had to reevaluate how we do things, whether that’s work, socialization, or even seeing family. Some of the biggest challenges, though, have been for students.